Protect Public River Access

Our Towns

Essex

June 12, 2002

With public appreciation for the Connecticut River continuing to grow -- and competition for access to the river intensifying -- Essex officials are right to take a local couple to court to establish, once and for all, rights of public access to a strip of land at Willow Point.

The land, a 33-foot-wide swath at the eastern end of New City Street, offers views of scenic North Cove. Officials say it is publicly owned and cite an 1803 deed describing the property as an extension of New City Street to a former wharf on the cove. Unfortunately, it crosses land owned by residents Serge Doyen and Patricia Burd, who live north of the corner of New City Street at 1 Riverview St. The couple, who bought the property for $430,000 four years ago, say a 1998 deed gives them ``clear title.''

The issue came to light when the couple sought to install a shed on the property that would have blocked the view of the cove, which is less than 300 feet from the corner of Riverview and New City streets.

Essex owns about a dozen road endings at various points along the edge of the river and has placed public access signs at several locations, including Willow Point. Officials, who want to preserve access for pedestrians enjoying the view from Willow Point, say the couple removed the signs and replaced them with other signs and obstructions to convey the impression the property is private.

It should be noted that the town is a reluctant dragon in this matter. Despite several attempts, officials were unable to reach a compromise with Mr. Doyen and Ms. Burd. Officials have found themselves in the crossfire between those who think they should act more aggressively on the public's behalf and accusations of bullying.

Controversies will come and go, but public access to the Connecticut River is an enduring imperative. By taking this issue to court, Essex officials are working to preserve a right for generations to come.